South African authorities have commenced the removal of 586 Nigerian nationals who were found to be residing in the country without valid immigration documents, as concerns persist over rising xenophobic tensions directed at foreign residents.
The Department of Home Affairs announced on Thursday that the first group of deportees had already been returned to Nigeria, while arrangements were being finalised for the remaining individuals to be repatriated in the coming days.
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According to the department, the initial flight departed South Africa on June 11, 2026, conveying 268 Nigerians back home. A second repatriation exercise is scheduled for June 15 to transport the rest of those processed for removal.
In its statement, the department confirmed that all 586 Nigerians had undergone the necessary procedures after being identified as illegal residents in the country.
Officials noted that emergency travel certificates issued by the Nigerian High Commission enabled the affected individuals to complete their return journey.
The department further explained that the deportees had been designated as undesirable persons under South African immigration regulations, a classification that prevents them from returning to the country for a five-year period.
Authorities also acknowledged the cooperation of the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation process.
Reiterating immigration requirements, the department reminded foreign nationals living in South Africa that they must possess valid visas, permits, or other legal authorisations and ensure that their residency status remains compliant with national laws.
It urged migrants whose documentation had expired or become irregular to take steps to regularise their stay in accordance with immigration regulations.
Reacting to the operation, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, said the government remained resolute in enforcing immigration laws and strengthening compliance measures.
He pointed out that deportations and repatriations had risen by 46 per cent over the past two years, describing the increase as evidence of the government’s commitment to restoring respect for the rule of law.
Schreiber also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving immigration management and identity verification systems.
The reforms include expanding the Electronic Travel Authorisation programme to capture biometric data from all incoming foreign visitors, replacing the vulnerable green identity booklet with smart identity cards, and introducing a modern digital identity platform.
Despite the stricter enforcement measures, the minister appealed to members of the public to avoid acts of vigilantism and refrain from targeting foreign nationals.
The deportation exercise forms part of broader efforts by South African authorities to tackle undocumented migration and tighten border and immigration controls.
Meanwhile, the first group of Nigerian returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday aboard a special Air Peace flight that landed at the International Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 10:31 a.m.
The returnees were received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside representatives of relevant government agencies.
Many of those evacuated reportedly abandoned businesses, employment opportunities, and personal belongings as they fled growing hostility and insecurity in parts of South Africa.
Officials from the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by Temitope Alexander Ajayi, accompanied the group throughout the evacuation process.
Upon arrival, the returnees underwent immigration clearance, registration, health assessments, and profiling exercises, while arrangements were made to provide temporary accommodation and welfare support before they reunited with their families.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, described the evacuation as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad.
He stressed that the government would continue to respond whenever Nigerian citizens face threats, intimidation, or attacks in any part of the world.
According to him, the swift evacuation demonstrates Nigeria’s people-centred foreign policy and reinforces the government’s dedication to protecting the welfare of its citizens overseas.
Enikanolaiye also commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for successfully coordinating the operation and urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and proactive in reporting security concerns to diplomatic authorities.
The minister revealed that discussions were ongoing with South African officials to improve the protection of Nigerian nationals and address factors fueling xenophobic incidents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the evacuation was conducted through a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Aviation and Health, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and relevant security agencies.
According to the ministry, the operation underscores the Federal Government’s determination to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of Nigerians regardless of where they reside.
Additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as authorities continue to assist Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks, providing a pathway to safety for many who endured weeks of anxiety, uncertainty, and displacement in South Africa.
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